“Buying a cooler is more than a fashion statement. Invest in a cooler that will not let you down,” says Misty Banchero, a backyard barbecue expert from Seattle, Washington. “Keeping your food safe while on the go is important for your health and peace of mind.” To find the best coolers, we put 48 styles to the test at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the course of three days, testers used a predetermined methodology to evaluate each one based on six categories: design, insulation, durability, portability, capacity, and value. We also consulted Misty Banchero, a Seattle-based backyard barbecue expert. Overall, the best cooler is the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 qt Ice Chest because it has heavy insulation that keeps ice and cans cool. Testers also noted that the latches were easy to use, seemed well;-built, and could retain ice. It also didn’t leak when it was tipped over. Keep in Mind: Long handles can make it tough for one person to lift onto a table. During testing, the RTIC cooler earned a perfect score for insulation. The cooler maintained a steady temperature of 32 degrees on a 90-degree day. At the end of the day, the cooler still had plenty of ice, and every can was still cold. The RTIC cooler has a fairly simple look that testers appreciated. It does have the brand emblazoned on the side, but that’s pretty common for large coolers. The latches were easy to use, and the hinges worked well. Plus, this cooler didn’t leak at all when we tipped it over, even though it was full of ice. The cooler is very well built, and testers only noticed a few scuffs when we dropped it—it was full of ice at the time, so keep in mind it was fairly heavy. One thing our testers didn’t love was that the long rope handles aren’t great for one person to try and hoist onto a table. They’re more ideal for two people carrying onto a boat or into a campsite instead. Price at time of publish: $220 Size: 27.01 x 17.28 x 16.54 inches | Capacity: 49 liters, 34 pounds of ice, 78 cans | Empty Weight: 31 pounds | Ice Retention Time: 21 pounds of ice after 24 hours | Material: Injection molded plastic Keep in Mind: It doesn’t feature any cup holders and testers found it needs two people to carry it. The Tundra has t-shaped latches that are easy to close and very secure. There are rope handles on either side with handles that are easy to grip. Overall, this is an easy cooler for two people to carry onto a boat or out to a campsite. While it doesn’t have cup holders, the top is flat so it could be used as a small table for food prep or even as extra seating if you need it. The testers reported that the Tundra felt super solid and durable and only showed minor scuffing during drop testing, which isn’t surprising as it’s a heavy cooler. The Tundra is a large-capacity cooler that holds a lot of food, drink, and ice, but keep in mind it’s not meant for shorter adventures. You’ll need someone to help you carry it, and it’s an excellent cooler for camping and other outdoor adventures when you need a lot of beverages on hand and is not near any stores. Price at time of publish: $375 Size: 30.5 x 17.4 x 16 inches | Capacity: 57.6 liters, 39 cans plus ice | Empty Weight: 27 pounds | Ice Retention Time: 12.2 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Rotomolded polyethylene Keep in Mind: The temperature of the cooler raised a few degrees over time and the ice had melted, so it’s best to use it in shorter amounts of time. During testing, it was noted that the temperature of the cooler raised a few degrees and the ice had melted over time, so it’s best to use it in shorter amounts of time. However, this cooler didn’t get a ding or scratch when tossed and dropped. If you’re concerned about carrying a backpack cooler, keep in mind that there’s an air cushion on the back and an extra strap to help to reduce the tension on your back and shoulders, which helps make the cooler more comfortable to carry. Overall, one tester felt confident they could carry it long distances, even when it was full. They also felt the price was right where it should be for the quality of this cooler. Price at time of publish: $90 Size: 17.5 x 10.4 x 13.8 inches | Capacity: 33 liters, 11 cans plus ice | Empty Weight: 7.6 pounds | Ice Retention Time: 4.5 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Polyurethane Keep in Mind: Testers found that it was tough to open and close with one hand. The design of the Ozark Trail Cooler is durable and functional, according to our testers. They did note it’s easier to open and close using both hands—not necessarily a dealbreaker, just something to keep in mind depending on your needs. The closure and seal seemed tight and it didn’t leak at all when turned on its side, which is ideal especially if you’re camping for a few days. The Ozark cooler comes with a small rack, which is handy for smaller items but might impact overall capacity. When subjected to our rigorous drop testing, the Ozark showed a few minor scuffs where it came into contact with the ground, but wasn’t damaged in a way that impacted performance. Likely due to the size, the Ozark takes time to cool down, but it holds on to the cooler temperature internally once it gets there. The wheels are the big selling point on this large cooler, and our testers liked how easy it was to maneuver on both paved paths and grass. It wasn’t tough to pull, and one of our testers noted they could see their seven-year-old child helping out by pulling the cooler. Price at time of publish: $164 Size: 19.45 x 26.6 x 18.5 inches | Capacity: 42.5 liters, 23 cans with ice | Empty Weight: Not listed | Ice Retention Time: 17 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Stainless Steel Keep in Mind: It’s heavy and may take two people to transport it. The Lifetime comes with two simple fasteners that are easy to open and close with one hand, and the handles are ropes with comfortable grips. This cooler is easy to sit on and doesn’t buckle under the average weight, so it can even serve as extra seating if you’re camping or at the beach. The flat top has four cup holders–one on each corner– and could easily be used for food prep or just to set out snacks on. During the drop test, the Lifetime felt super durable and didn’t open or get any scratches. Testers noted that it just bounced and stayed shut, which is ideal. It didn’t leak when tipped onto its front, however when it was on its back it did slightly. This beast of a cooler also stayed cool, with 3/4 of the ice still formed after 24 hours. The cans that were tested in it were 34.3 degrees after sitting for that long, which was cooler than how they started. Since this big cooler doesn’t have wheels, it will take two people to move it, especially when it’s full. However, it’s a great option for when you’re going to stay put for a while, like at a cabin or on a boat. Price at time of publish: $170 Size: 28.4 x 18.1 x 17 inches | Capacity: 61.5 liters, 34 cans with ice | Empty Weight: 25.5 pounds | Ice Retention Time: 27.5 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Polypropylene Keep in Mind: Testers noted that it did leak when tipped over and didn’t appear to be waterproof. One tester felt this would be a great option if you have little kids as they could easily get their hands on a snack through the velcro flap. The small cooler also has multiple storage pockets, so you can stash your keys, wallet, or phone without having to carry another bag. The Herschel had a strong standing against hard-sided coolers, with the soft insulation keeping items cool by contouring around them. It still gives less protection from the heat than a hard plastic shell, and the ice melted in 24 hours. The straps and zippers on this small cooler are really durable and our testers found them easy to use. However, the zipper on the main compartment isn’t water-tight and leaks if the cooler tips over. Overall, this cooler would do better with ice packs, versus actual ice. Part of what makes this one of the best coolers is you can fit a lot into it, which is ideal whether you’re tailgating or a parent on the go. However, it can become very heavy quickly so be mindful of what you’ll be able to carry. Price at time of publish: $67 Size: 11.25 x 15.25 x 10.25 inches | Capacity: 32 liters, 17 cans with ice | Empty Weight: Not listed | Ice Retention Time: 0 ice after 24 hours | Material: Recycled fabric Keep in Mind: The cooler is more expensive than similar options on the market. The cooler uses strong magnets at the opening that creates a leak-resistant shield while also making it easy to access the content on the go. It’s further secured with two buckles for added peace of mind. Our testers noted that because of the double closure system, it doesn’t leak at all when tipped over. Unlike many cooler backpacks, this one has a huge top opening, so you see inside and won’t have to fish around for your drinks and snacks. The Hopper M20 can fit around 18 cans total using a two-to-one ice ratio. The Yeti Hopper held on to ice really nicely for a soft-sided cooler, with lots of ice left after 24 hours. Our tester noted it would easily keep your ice cold for a day trip, and likely last for a weekend camping trip as well. Price at time of publish: $325 Size: 18.5 x 9.5 x 18.75 inches | Capacity: 19 liters, 9 cans with ice | Empty Weight: 4.8 pounds | Ice Retention Time: Not listed | Material: High-density fabric Keep in Mind: The hard exterior may make it difficult to store between uses. This cooler holds four bottles of wine or 15 cans, and it also has four built-in cup holders as well as a stainless steel bottle opener. Plus, the rubberized carrying handle makes it easy to bring this cooler along on all of your adventures. The latch can be opened one-handed, but it’s easier with two—there’s a button to press to release the latch. It’s easy to close and works smoothly. Our testers liked the design and felt it made for a nice, solid seat. There’s no drain plug because of its size, but testers felt it would be easy to drain anyway. The handle is strong, attached with screws so it seems very solid, and makes the cooler easy to carry. There’s even an ident on the side so you can balance it on your hip if you need it. Price at time of publish: From $199 Size: 18.8 x 12.6 x 17.7 inches | Capacity: 18.9 liters, 9 cans with ice | Empty Weight: 12.52 pounds | Ice Retention Time: Two Days | Material: Polypropylene, polyurethane foam Keep in Mind: The cooler can be heavy when it’s full. Although it’s easy to roll, it can be difficult for one person to lift. This is a nice, sturdy wheel cooler that was solid to sit on, and had latches that seemed durable and long-lasting. The roller handle is adjustable to multiple heights, so you can adjust it however you see fit. However, testers noted that it’s going to feel more sturdy when the handle is lower. During our drop test, the team reported high marks as the cooler proved to be durable. The latches stayed put and nothing fell out of the cooler, which saw only slight scratches. Another feature testers appreciated about this cooler was its deep capacity, as well as the channel for draining water. The drain plug is attached with a chain and there is an air vent on the side that could be useful. Just keep in mind that a tiny amount of water did come out when it was placed on its side. Price at time of publish: From $240 Size: 16.5 x 15.5 x 16.5 inches | Capacity: 42.5 liters, 21 cans with ice | Empty Weight: 14 pounds | Ice Retention Time: 20.4 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Polypropylene Keep in Mind: The front pocket won’t hold much, so you lose a bit of storage there. It’s also more expensive than other similar options. This cooler has a zipper top closure, adjustable straps, and a small, square, zippered pocket on the front. Our tester noted the front pocket was so small they couldn’t even fit their phone in it, however, so most things you want to carry will have to go in the other compartment. The team found this soft-sided backpack’s shoulder straps reasonably comfortable, even when the cooler was fully packed, and they could hoist it onto their back with no problem. The zipper also worked smoothly, so it’ll be easy to get contents in and out. The cooler also has side handles, and our tester was surprised at how natural it felt and how easy it was to carry, even when packed with ice and cans. With the rounded soft shape, it didn’t seem as heavy or awkward as square or hard-sided coolers, and they couldn’t feel any chill from the ice. The Get Out stayed very cold after 24 hours, with about 64% of the ice still present. It’s made from a waxy fabric that’s waterproof, so you could take this cooler out in bad weather without any problems. Plus, this cooler fits a dozen cans in the bottom of the cooler, and our tester noted it’s tall enough for bottles of wine, making it the perfect beach pick. Price at time of publish: $250 Size: 17.15 x 10 16 inches | Capacity: 15 liters, 12 cans with ice | Empty Weight: Not listed | Ice Retention Time: 5.45 pounds after 24 hours | Material: Cloth
Our Testing Process
To find the best coolers, we put 48 coolers to the test at our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the course of three days, testers evaluated each cooler using a predetermined methodology. They scored the coolers based on six categories: design, insulation, durability, portability, capacity, and value. Testers did not know the price of each cooler until after testing. When it came to designing, testers noted that the cooler felt secure was easy to drain, and had closures that were easy to use. They did not penalize smaller options that may not have the same drainage capabilities as larger picks. For insulation, the tester took the temperature of the cooler after two hours to see if it remained consistent and then again after 24 hours to check if it remained within 1-2 degrees. They also measured if there was any ice loss and if about 90% of the ice remained after 24 hours. To test durability, testers dropped the cooler from a table and then determined if it retained all of its functions. For larger coolers, testers also tried to use the cooler as a seat and checked to see if it buckled under pressure. For portability, the coolers were scored based on whether or not they had ergonomic grip handles or padded carrying straps that make lifting and transporting it easier. Wheeled options were also tested on different surfaces to see how easily they could be maneuvered. In terms of capacity, it was noted if each cooler at least met each manufacturer’s claims. After learning the brand and price of each cooler, the value was determined based on whether or not the cooler performed as well as advertised, as well as if the tester would recommend the product to family and friends.
What to Know About Coolers Before Shopping
Size
Something important to consider when choosing a cooler is the size and how much space you’ll need—for both food and beverages as well as for storing the cooler when it’s not in use. Consider how many people you usually pack for when going on a trip with your cooler. You may want to get a slightly larger cooler than you think you’ll need so you can be flexible if another guest decides to join. You’ll also want to measure the storage capacity in your home and your vehicle. If you’re tight on space, you’ll want a smaller or collapsible option that won’t take up too much room.
Capacity
Most hard-sided coolers are bigger and hold more food than their soft-sided counterparts, as they require less ice or freezer packs to stay cold. Most cooler companies suggest a 2:1 ratio of ice to your food, so you can take more food and pack more ice with a hard-sided cooler. “If you are a camper and plan on staying put for a few days but need a reliable cooler for all of your packed proteins, fruits, veggies, and dairy then you’ll want the same thing, a nice medium or large-sized hard-sided cooler,” Banchero says. Hard-side coolers are also a great choice for outdoor patio parties and any situation where the cooler might be squashed, such as in a packed car on a road trip, since hard-side coolers are sturdier than their soft-sided counterparts. On the other hand, a smaller, soft-side cooler is a better choice for day trips as well as for storage between uses. “If you’re just meeting a few friends at the beach and you want to bring along a snack and a couple of drinks, the soft-sided cooler makes more sense,” Banchero says. “If you’re a parent who needs to be hands-free on your outing you may consider a cooler backpack.”
Weight
Weight is another consideration. Hard-side coolers, overall, are going to be heavier than their soft-side counterparts, due to the materials and difference in insulation. It’s worth keeping in mind if a cooler starts on the heavier side, as it’ll only get tougher to transport once it’s full of ice and cans. For hard coolers, look for longer handles that will keep the bulk away from your body as you carry them. Consider investing in a cooler with wheels if you need an extra-large cooler. Soft coolers are going to be lighter when they’re empty, and many are collapsible, allowing them to be stored more easily. Once they’re filled with food and ice, however, they’re going to be heavier, so look for soft coolers with shoulder, cross-body, or backpack-style straps if you’ll be hauling your cooler a distance.
Ice Retention
Some hard-side coolers can keep ice cold for a week or longer, making these a great choice for extended camping trips. Keep in mind, though, that these coolers are usually the most expensive models on the market and might be overkill if you don’t need ice to last for days at a time. Soft-sided coolers and cheaper, less-insulated hard coolers have a shorter ice retention time, sometimes only a few hours. But these models are generally more comfortable to carry and are budget-friendly.
Other Coolers We Tested
Igloo EcoCool Hard Cooler
The Igloo EcoCool Hard Cooler got high marks from our testers for the general design of the cooler. The handles were also easy to grip, making them easier to carry. However, testers found that while the top was easy to open it doesn’t close securely, so if it were knocked over the ice and other contents would spill everywhere.
Coleman Sportflex Soft Sided Wheeled Cooler
The Coleman Sportflex Soft Sided Wheeled Cooler had nice zippers that were easy to open and testers liked the pockets for storage, However, when it was tipped on its side, a steady stream of water leaked out of the zipper, causing the cooler to become wet. The cooler also didn’t stay cool, with all of the ice inside melting in 24 hours and the temperature increases by 21 degrees.
Polarbox Pop 21qt Cooler
Testers loved the retro design of the Polarbox Pop 21qt Cooler and found it was easy to open even with one hand. However, when our testing team tipped it for a leak test, a steady stream of water spilled everywhere, even though the lid still seemed pretty secure. Testers also found the lid didn’t fit well on the cooler when it was full of ice.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best type of material for a cooler?
According to Banchero, the kind of cooler you need, whether it be hard-sided or soft-sided, all depends on what you’ll be doing with the cooler. “The soft coolers are fantastic for a quick on-the-go day trip where you will be moving about frequently. They are just so much easier to carry,” she says. “The hard-side coolers offer the stability of the temperature. They just perform better, especially for longer periods like a weekend getaway or at a baseball tournament in the heat.” Most hard-sided coolers are made with closed-cell polyurethane foam. This type of insulation is very dense, which allows for increased insulation along with added strength. On the other hand, this foam also makes coolers heavy. Soft-side coolers (and some cheaper hard-side coolers) usually use regular polyethylene foam, which is lighter and less dense.
What activities should you use a cooler for?
As you’re shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind your plans for the season, and beyond, so that you select the right cooler for your activities. For example, if you’re using it to go camping, double-check that it has durable wheels, is easy to carry, and is bear-proof, as approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). If you’re planning a beach trip, are sitting on the sidelines at a sporting event, or are going on a picnic, you’ll have more flexibility in the cooler style you choose. Just keep in mind how long you plan to be out, as some may only keep food and beverages cool for just a few hours.
What is ice retention and why does it matter?
Ice retention refers to how long the cooler can keep ice cool before it melts. While many brands claim days of ice retention, a lot can come down to how you use and place your ice. “For soft-sided coolers, I like to use ice packs. That way you keep the lining in top shape,” Banchero says. “For hard coolers, I use large ice blocks at the bottom of a large, hard-sided cooler. I also use ice packs near the top in between my food and drinks, keeping it all fresh for a very long time.”
Who We Are
Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at The Boston Globe, CNN, Glamour, Yahoo, Allure, Refinery29, AOL, Huffington Post, and many more. She spent half a decade running culinary programming for Food Network digital and has been writing about food, dining, and food products for over a decade. Due to the pandemic, she’s spent a lot more time outdoors in the past few years and has become quite an outdoor cooking and eating enthusiast, and food safety is always a priority. To find the best coolers, she referred to insights from product testers, who evaluated each product based on six categories: design, insulation, durability, portability, capacity, and value. She also consulted Misty Banchero, a backyard barbecue expert from Seattle, Washington.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
